Wetherby Civic Society is calling on North Yorkshire councillors to delay their decision on a proposed housing development near Wetherby, citing discrepancies and omissions in the officer report that recommends its approval.
The application, known as 25/02006/OUTMAJ, pertains to a plot of land located on Harrogate Road, adjacent to the existing Spofforth Park estate which houses 325 homes. While the site falls within North Yorkshire, the Civic Society argues that residents would rely heavily on services and infrastructure in Wetherby, which is located in the neighboring county of Leeds.
In a 15-point request for deferral, the Society highlights several concerns with the officer report. Among them is the conflicting conclusions on the impact of the development on high-quality agricultural land. The report states that the scheme aligns with Policy NE8, but also acknowledges that it conflicts with the same policy.
Additionally, the Society questions the report’s claim of a 2.2-year housing land supply when the figures presented actually indicate a 2.8-year supply. Other concerns include the inclusion of a “speed camera” as a benefit, despite no guarantee of its implementation, as well as the absence of an assessment of NHS capacity or a healthcare contribution.
Peter Catton, Chair of Wetherby Civic Society, expressed his disappointment with the contradictions and omissions in the report and the planning application, stating that they must be addressed or the application should be rejected.
Vice-Chair Malcolm Gardner clarified that the Society is not against new homes, but rather requesting that a decision of this magnitude not be made based on a report that contradicts itself. He emphasized the potential impact on Wetherby, which would bear the brunt of the strain on local roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
The Strategic Planning Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 11 August at 10:00am at County Hall in Northallerton. The officers have recommended approval of the development, subject to certain conditions and a Section 106 agreement.
It should be noted that a previous appeal for development on this site was dismissed in February 2020 due to concerns over landscape harm, particularly its effect on nearby bridleways.
For more information, the North Yorkshire Council agenda and officer report can be accessed online. High-resolution landscape photographs of the area are also available for reference. Media inquiries can be directed to Malcolm Gardner at 07946 800171 or malcolm.gardner@spofforthpark.co.uk.
